Translate & Share

Syria 3

After Palmyra, the black basalt ruins of Bosra are the most famous Roman remains in the country. Some parts of Bosra are indeed much better preserved than Palmyra: there are people who still live in what in earlier times was the Roman city.

If there were Romans then, you can bet there are mosaics now: a man and his caravan; another man and his menagerie of animals.

Assorted bits and pieces in the Bosra open-air museum, inside the Roman theatre.

The amphitheatre of Bosra is one of the best preserved world-wide. The small disadvantage of using black basalt shows when you (try to) take a seat during the summer months: the surface is so hot you could cook an egg.

Back in Damascus: this is a view of the main bazaar street which leads towards the Grand Mosque. Note the many small holes in the roof.

A bazaari performs afternoon prayers in the courtyard of his local mosque.